Artificial intelligence and sustainability are among the key topics to be explored at VDS2024. Under the theme “Embracing Evolution: Invest in the Leaders of Tomorrow,” the seventh edition of VDS, organized by Startup Valencia, will transform the city into the global innovation epicentre on October 23 and 24 at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. Health, Women in Tech, The Future of Work, and the Next-Gen Audiovisual sector will also be major focuses of this event.
VDS2024 will bring together world-renowned experts, startup leaders, scaleups, investors, and prominent corporations to discuss these topics. As Juan Luis Hortelano, President of Startup Valencia, notes, “The seventh edition of VDS will highlight the positive impact of the current technological revolution with artificial intelligence as the main protagonist. It will also delve into the importance of investing in the leaders shaping the near future.”
The importance of Valencia‘s designation as the European Green Capital 2024 will be highlighted in a dedicated forum at the VDS Green Stage, in collaboration with the European Commission and the Valencia City Council. This forum will feature international experts discussing the role of the innovative ecosystem in finding solutions to create a greener and more sustainable city. Additionally, it will showcase the opportunities and advantages that Valencia offers as a sustainability representative in 2024.
The Impact of Technology on Social Transformation
Artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined the global industry landscape, opening new opportunities and transforming technology at an unprecedented pace. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global AI market is expected to reach $190.61 billion by 2025, with global investments in AI and machine learning reaching $67.9 billion in 2022, according to the Stanford AI Index Report 2023. VDS2024 will analyze AI’s transformative capabilities, regulatory debates, and business opportunities.
Moreover, the international tech event aims to connect and promote solutions designed to build a greener and more environmentally friendly future. Valencia’s European Green Capital status provides an ideal framework for generating synergies and emphasizing the need to focus on sustainability.
Sustainability goals for the near future provide business opportunities for the innovative ecosystem. The number of startups focused on sustainable technologies has significantly increased. In 2020, cleantech startups received over $16.3 billion in investment, a 6% increase compared to 2019, according to a report by PwC and the World Economic Forum.
Health is another key pillar of VDS2024. The event will explore how technology is revolutionizing the health sector, with focus on AI, telemedicine, and personalized medicine. It will examine the impact of these innovations on quality of life, healthcare optimization, and the promotion of more sustainable health systems. The global healthtech market was valued at approximately $252.47 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $598.52 billion by 2027, according to Grand View Research.
Since its first edition in 2018, VDS has highlighted the importance of Women in Tech and entrepreneurship, making ‘Women in Tech’ a prominent theme of the event. Through inspiring talks and panel discussions, the contributions of pioneering women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations will be showcased. The goal is to leverage all talent and promote inclusion. According to a UNESCO report, women represent only 28% in STEM fields, reflecting a persistent gender gap.
The transformation of the traditional work model and the creation of new job profiles is already a reality. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, up to 45% of work activities could be automated with current technology. VDS2024 will provide a comprehensive view of how new technologies and models are redefining work, featuring experts and leaders from major organizations.
The audiovisual sector generated approximately $2.32 trillion globally in 2022 and is expected to continue growing, reaching $2.9 trillion by 2027, according to a PwC report. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing demand for high-quality content and the expansion of streaming platforms, which will be discussed at the ‘Next-Gen Audiovisual Forum’ organized by Startup Valencia and Gellify, with the support of the Generalitat Valenciana.
